“We frequently encounter these processions on training rides in Portland’s West Hills. Suggestions range from doing nothing (besides merely following the law), to stopping in respect while the procession goes by.”— Ray Thomas, lawyer

For whatever reason, some of the most popular roads for bicycling on here in the Portland region also tend to be near graveyards. There’s Riverview Cemetery just west of the Sellwood Bridge and Skyline Memorial Gardens up in the West Hills just to name a few.

Ray Thomas, a local lawyer who rides frequently in these areas, recently had a situation where a group he was riding with happened upon a funeral procession. The experience left him wondering how Oregon law handles the presence of bicycles on the road when a funeral procession rolls by. So, as Thomas often does, he did a bit of research and wrote an article about it. He shared the article with me yesterday.

Here’s how he sets up the scenario:

A group of us were out riding in the West Hills when we approached a stop sign. To our left was an oncoming funeral procession led by three uniformed motorcycle riders with flashing lights. The procession consisted of a line of cars with headlights on that was turning right onto the street we leaving. As we approached the stop sign, the lead motorcyclist waved his hand at us in a chopping motion and shouted something like “Oncoming Procession!”

According to Thomas, “A funeral procession is given many unique rights by statute over other drivers on the road.” For example, he says, processions can take over an entire intersection, “if the Funeral Escort Vehicle or Funeral Lead Vehicle lawfully enters an intersection, and the following procession may then enter the intersection without stopping. ORS 811.804(1).”

That statute also requires a road users to yield the right of way — stop and remain stopped — when the procession is in the intersection. In addition, you are required to obey the directions given by the driver of an official funeral escort vehicle.

The way Thomas sees it, if the procession is on the opposite side of the street, and you can continue on your bicycle in the opposite lane, without impeding the procession in any way, you are not breaking the law.

As with many laws, there is the legally prescribed solution and then there is etiquette and personal conduct. In this case, both are important to keep in mind. “We frequently encounter these processions on training rides in Portland’s West Hills,” writes Thomas, “Suggestions range from doing nothing (besides merely following the law), to stopping in respect while the procession goes by.”

Have you ever ridden by a funeral procession? Share your experiences below.

I remember a few years ago (2009?) cycling down Vancouver near Legacy Emanuel in the pouring rain in a hurry to get to downtown. I remember having to wait for a few minutes as the funeral procession turned in front of me onto Cook towards the Fremont bridge.

I wouldn’t have minded so much if it weren’t pouring and I hadn’t been in a hurry, but oh well. Such is life.

I ride on Skyline frequently and have encountered a number of processions. It’s a chance to pay your respects:

Pull over safely to the side of the road. Remove your helmet. Hold your helmet over your heart and face the procession. When the last of the procession passes, get on your bike and ride on. Old fashioned, I know…

Quite honestly, not just respectful but also a wonderful way to promote a very positive image of cyclists. I believe that display would really stick in the hearts and minds of those that witness it. Good on you, Eric!

Perfect. Rain, hail, running late – that is exactly what people should do. You standing there respectfully might be the most vivid image someone riding in the procession remembers from their awful day.

I was just thinking of posting something like this myself. Bikes are vehicles. Same rules should apply. If there was no hearse in the lead, it might be difficult for people to recognize the nature of the procession, but to go totally bikey – perhaps according to the wishes of the guest of honor – a casket could be borne on an open flatbed trailer like the one for hunting shown on this site a while back, or one like the mattress delivery guys use.

It’s simple respect, Just like you take your shoes off if you enter a mosque, put on a yarmulke in a temple, take your hat off in a church, and keep your hands off of the statues in a Buddhist sanctuary.

The two or three minutes you ‘lose’ will be made up by your next stoplight.

This story bring back to mind a childhood nightmare experiance that I had that I sometimes cannot get away from.

It was my grandfather’s funeral back in Winchester, Massachusetts.

I was in the car immediately behind the hearse (he was my mother’s father).

We all had our lights on and were in a solid line (no other traffic intermingled with us.

The hearse, which was the lead car (there was no police escort) proceeded through the intersection.

Just as we followed, a car sped through the intersection. My father, who was driving the vehicle we were all in, had to jam the brakes. Fortunately, no one hit anyone and we then went on through to the cemetery.

Talking about it later, we figured the guy was in a hurry and just wanted to cut the line to get through. We all did agree that he was very rude.

Weird. I guess I have never come across a funeral procession in the opposite lane coming towards me and had think about what to do, but if I were in a car, I would not pull over and stop. Is that what everyone here does? If not, why do it on a bike – because it is easier to pull over and stop? Because you are more visible and the show of respect or lack of respect is more apparent?

I’m not talking about when blocking or waiting for a procession, of course. I’m only talking about an oncoming procession.

My understanding of the *point* of the funeral procession is that it is a way to ensure that all members of the grieving party would leave the funeral home together, then arrive at the cemetery together–in order to provide some continuity to the ceremony that happens first at the funeral home, then the cemetery. The long string of cars also ensures nobody misses a turn, gets lost, or has to worry about missing the cemetery part. If I was riding (or driving) opposite a funeral procession I would probably NOT pull over, stop, or do anything else. The only thing I would not do is CUT the line somehow–

I bicycled in the Portland area before it was “the ” thing to do (1973.) As a New Yorker out of my element I remember vividly the motorcycles that led the funeral processions. I was impressed by the solemnness and respect evoked by the advance motorcyclists. I stopped as a way to honor the families who were in these processions. We don’t have motorcycles do this where I live but because of my Portland experience I stop for all funeral processions no matter where I am.

my grandfather past away about 2 weeks ago and i was in the lead car after the hearse..and there was motorcycles that turned their bike off as a sign of respect to the deceased..you are supposed to stop and show respect even if your the oncoming traffic(atleast thats how we do it in Canada)..until the whole procession has went thru and then u continue on with your day..i call it good karma when you do stop no matter what or how much in a rush you are.